hi
ok first thing i would suggest is join a club and learn to shoot a bow then look into hunting
i have always believed that before anyone considers hunting they should be very proficient wit ha bow and an archery club is the best place to start there will be many people ready to help you
http://www.archeryweb.com/archery/clubs-n.htm
http://www.archeryweb.com/archery/clubs-s.htm
not sure where in cali you are but this may help